Journey of Exiles
A collaboration work between Latiasfan1, Solid205, and Raziel Beyon
Chapter one here. OK, we were skyping, and started to discuss what we could do for a collaborative story we could write. So after a few days, we came up with this! Hope you all enjoy!
Raziel; One other note, this story is written by three different authors. So expect different styles of writing while reading. Also this story will only be updated at the most, once a week. It's the best we can do with three different time zones. Hope you enjoy the first chapter!
Summary:
Team Rocket's on the loose again. Except this time they aren't just a bunch of idiots in costume. The cops are having trouble stopping them. After a series of coincidental circumstances, an accused felon, a wanna-be professor and a young tech expert are part of a team to stop Team Rocket from achieving their most sought goal, the capture of all legendary Pokémon.
"Human speech"
-Telepathic speech-
Translated Poke-speech
*Thoughts*
(James' POV)
*How did I get myself into this mess?*
Oh... Ya... I got into a group of 'techies' they said they were going to be doing something big. That 'something big' turned out to be something very illegal. And guess who the fall guy was... Ya, me. We had gotten through several of the firewalls before something happened. Within a few minutes, my 'team' and I went from breaking into a banks system to being over-run by cops.
I made it pretty far, but everyone else made it farther. By the time the cops had gotten me the rest of them had escaped. Imagine their surprise when they saw a fifteen year-old being dragged into the station. Now, I'm sitting in a small room, hand cuffed to a metal table, waiting for someone to bring me something to eat...
XxXxX
(Raziel's POV)
*Why did I have to volunteer for this?*
I could be doing something more productive but no, I'm stuck escorting some professor though some forest. At least I brought Anne with me. In fact, she was right next to me. Her Red and black mane was well kept and her fur smooth, always looking good. We don't battle too often so most of my Pokémon have the time to stay nice and clean.
That reminds me. Why did I leave the rest of them at the poke-centre? I should have brought the girls with me. They hate being away for long periods of time. I don't know why though. They have always been... Clingy, especially after they have reached their 'coming of age'. They always seem to want to be next to me. One time Blue and Grace even fought over it...
God, such memories, even the bad ones always seem to bring a smile to my face. But I can't get distracted. This professor isn't known for his safety when it comes to his studies. That's why he hired me. A, and I quote, 'very resourceful looking trainer', trainer... Ya right. I don't even have a single badge. I just enjoy company during my travels and happened to grow attached to my Pokémon.
"Hey, doc." I said laying my arms behind my head. "Are you almost done?" The 'doc' was a short man, compared to me, and was leaning over a bush. He had on a regular lab coat and black jeans, just another researcher trying to make his way.
"Yes, almost." He said with a wave of his hand. Anne let out a low growl, always so protective. Even with the smallest of gesture she thinks they might be a threat. "I just have to check this... Oh no." The doc shot up from his position, falling back down on his back. Okay, maybe it wasn't the doc she was growling at.
"Zor!" Anne shouted at the bush. A yellow figure burst from the foliage. Its large stingers shined in the sun light and its wings were practically invisible at the speed they moved.
"Beedrill?" I stated. "Why is it always Beedrill...? Anne, use flamethrower but keep watch for the trees!" Anne nodded and unleashed a burst of flame from her mouth...
XxXxX
(James' POV)
The least they could do is give me something to do, I've been in here for Arceus know how long and they haven't even come in. Maybe they're trying to reach my parents? Ha, good luck with that, I left them behind when I began my journey and haven't seen them since. I even went as far as to erase my identity and connection from them; it's always been my kind of thing: Computers and Pokémon.
Speaking of which, what did they do with mine? They took my belt a few minutes before throwing me in here; they'd better not touch them. I may be a young criminal but I have feelings. When is someone going to come in here?
XxXxX
(Jack's POV)
*Man, I miss Alto Mare. It's nothing like it here, too many forests and cities. I miss the flowing water and the friendly faces.*
I'm not the only one who feels that way either. My team misses home as much as I do, especially the twins. They've never really left Alto Mare before and were hesitant. But it was either leave or kiss my plans for being a professor good-bye.
Well, at least it was warm out. "Are we almost there?" Behind me two other walked with me. One was a tall male, blue hair and red eyes. He wore a white t-shirt and some tan shorts. "I hate walking around."
"Well Tio, it's either that or risk capture." I said waving a hand into the air. "And besides, you could use the exercise."
"Oh, ha-ha." The other said. She was about as tall as me, as well as six inches shorter than her brother. She had on a red t-shirt and like her brother, tan shorts. Her hair was a bright red and she had blue eyes. "Like you can talk, you just flew on-"
Tio covered her mouth. "Tia, remember, we're humans. We can't fly." He scolded. She crossed her arms and huffed. "Get angry all you want. You're the one who encouraged Jack to come here." Oh ya almost forgot. When I said I would stay in Alto Mare if that was what they would prefer, Tia rejected the idea saying that it was the chance of a life time and I couldn't miss it.
It seemed to be going good until a large flame emerged from the nearby forest...
XxXxX
(James' POV)
"So." A man wearing a suit said as he sat down. "Mister James Hayden." He laid down a file in front of me. "You are in some trouble."
*Oh sure. I've been in worse.*
"You break into a banks network and tried to wire money to a remote account."
"Right." I retorted. "Because a fifteen year old can really do that."
"I've read your file." He said opening the folder. "According to this you started your journey at eleven and have no parents." Wow, I even fooled the justice system. "And you've been in trouble before. Well, I'd like to offer you a proposition that will get you off the hook and you get your Pokémon back."
I leaned back, resting my hand behind my head. "I'm listening..."
XxXxX
(Raziel's POV)
"GET DOWN!" I shouted at the professor. After Anne roasted the first Beedrill more came. Why are they always in a swarm? They had swarmed our area and we had no way out. What I wouldn't give to have my team with me, Anne was strong but she couldn't take down all of them.
I was holding my own, pushing back the Beedrill as they tried to get close and then Anne would fry them. She was getting tired and we both knew it, I had one final plan that I had already explained. I wish I could understand them sometimes but without Lucy or Liz to translate I had nothing. "ZORO!" Anne shouted, clawing a Beedrill to the ground.
"Anne, now!" She nodded and looked to the sky, releasing a stream of fire into the air. Someone had to notice that...
XxXxX
(Jack's POV)
Who the heck would do that in a forest? "Jack I believe that's meant to be a signal." Tio stated.
"For?" I asked.
"Help." He said. "Beedrill are swarming that area. Someone must have stirred the hive."
"Okay then, let's go help!" I said running over to the tree line. "And don't worry. I'll have the others help." They both nodded and followed. After only a few steps I had to duck under a barrage of needles, Tio and Tia easily got out of the way. Okay, someone's definitely in trouble. We entered a small clearing where in the centre a tall, dark haired male stood with a strange Pokémon, fighting off the swarm.
The man stood at about five to six feet and had a thinly built stature. He wore a black t-shirt with some kind of shiny design on it. His pants and shirt were riddled with cuts, but no blood was seen. His Pokémon looked in better shape, it easily kept the Beedrill away from the cowering man in-between them. I pulled out two Pokeballs. "Angela, Esper we need some help!"
With two flashes of light, my Gardevoir, Angela, and Espeon, Esper, took to the field. Almost immediately, before I even gave the order, several of the Beedrill were thrown from the swarm in a blue aura. The man took notice and nodded, delivering a kick to an incoming Beedrill.
"Angela, keep them off of them. Esper, take them out of the sky." A bubble formed around the three, the Beedrill turning their attention away from the unbreakable barrier and towards us. Esper, with a lot of strain and a small grunt, brought the remaining Beedrill to the ground with a large crash.
-I haven't tried that in a long time! - Esper said. Being psychic types, my entire team can speak telepathically.
"Yes, you can gloat later." Tio said. "I suggest we check on our friends." I nodded and with the four of them following, approached the small group...
XxXxX
(Raziel's POV)
I looked up as the Beedrill crashed into the ground, fainting on impact. A trainer was walking towards me, in clothing of... strange taste... His shirt was red, almost like blood, while his dark blue trench coat contrasted sharply... I glimpsed a pair of dull silver jeans, and hiking boots. The stranger's fingers were twitching slightly, as he walked over to me, offering a hand.
"You okay? We saw your distress call... Not bad, holding out against those Beedrill for this long." I nodded as he shook my hand-only for Anne to impose herself between us, growling slightly. I placed a hand on her shoulder, soothing her.
"Easy, I think we're among friends here... I'm Raziel, thanks for the help..." The trainer smiled, and his fingers twitched even faster.
"Psyche. At least, it's my nickname. I'm called Jack, pleased to meet you." He released my hand, and I smiled. Suddenly, his Gardevoir slapped the back of his head, causing him to flinch.
"OK! OK! I'll return them..." I blinked, stunned, until he held out his hands. I ignored the papers, grabbing a familiar gold object.
"How did you get my watch?" I re-strapped it to my wrist, frowning. He laughed nervously.
"Sorry, my family history has a fair share of cat burglars. I picked up a skill for pick-pocketing... Which devolved into kleptomania." I stared blankly as Jack sighed.
"Kleptomania is when a person can't help stealing things... even when he knows it isn't right. I presume this is the prof's?" He held out a leather suitcase, which I recognised as the professor's.
"How did you get my briefcase, and my papers? These were locked securely!" Once more he laughed slightly.
"I'm also gifted at lock-picking as you saw... Really, I'm sorry about it. I couldn't help myself..." Anne growled, and he glared at her.
"You wish." He retorted.
XxXxX
(Jack's POV)
I looked up at Raziel's Pokémon, who glared.
So now you leave... I couldn't help it; it slipped out.
"You wish." I immediately clapped my hands over my mouth; but I could see that they'd realised my gift. Esper looked at me, and I sighed.
"I'm spending too much time around you, Esper...I speak without thinking..." Esper nodded.
-Yep! Wait... Hey! I resent that!- I smirked slightly; until the Pokémon pressed me to a tree.
Explain how you understand me, human. I'm not happy after the watch… I gulped slightly; no-one on my team had an advantage; well, in type that is...
"Easy. I'll explain, just let me down..." She held me above her, glaring. I felt a tug in my heart; I'd glimpsed something in her hair... I pretended to struggle, which got my arms close to her hair. I quickly but surreptitiously reached out, and removed the object; only to sigh.
"Here, don't keep it in an obvious place..." She gasped, dropping me as she grabbed the small flower.
The flower Raziel gave me... If you EVER try to take this, I'll- I laughed.
"You'll what, girl? You wouldn't get past my team..." She glared even harder, until Raziel walked over.
"Enough, Anne. I think... Angela…? Can you keep him in line?" He turned to her, receiving a nod as she leant against a tree. I took the opportunity to speak.
"So what were you doing in the forest, anyway? And what is she? I've never seen a Pokémon like her before..." Raziel sighed.
"I was hired by this professor to act as a guard while he performed some tests. As you can tell, I'd rather wish I hadn't now. Anne's a Zoroark, from Unova." I nodded, filing away the knowledge for later.
"So, who are you exactly? Not many people use exclusively Psychic types..." I started at the question.
"What makes you think that?" Raziel grinned.
"You said your nickname was 'Psyche' so it's related to Psychic... And you used two Psychic types in battle, really just a load of guesswork." I nodded, a grin on my face.
"You got that right. Well, my name is Jack, but I'm training for a scholarship in being a professor. I came here as I want to specialise in field work, and... Well, I'm not unknown to the police in Johto... So training there was out of the question." I frowned slightly as Raziel shook his head.
"What's wrong with me..? Normally, I'm never this open to a new face..." He spoke, while sounding weary. Anne walked over to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, looking at him quizzically. He nodded to her.
"I'm fine, Anne. Just tired… that's probably the reason that I'm acting like this…" I stepped forwards, and held out my hands to show they were empty.
"I'm not going to hurt him, Anne. Just let me… there! Angela, can you come here quickly?" I waited until she was next to me, before speaking.
"Raziel's injured… we need to get him to a Pokémon Centre, and quickly. I know you could Teleport him, but can you take Anne with you as well? I doubt she'd like being left behind…" Anne nodded, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Do you think we'll need anyone else?" Angela closed her eyes as she thought.
-No. No-one else. Esper should take this Raziel, though. I'll take Anne.- I nodded.
"If you're sure… Anne, Angela's going to take you to the Pokémon Centre, OK? Esper'll take Raziel, and I'm bringing the professor." She nodded, and what looked like worry touched her eyes-then Angela gently took her hand, and in a flash of blue they disappeared. I turned to look at Esper, and my heart hardened.
"Make sure to get ALL of him this time. Got it?" He nodded, a combination of guilt and remorse on his face. He climbed onto Raziel's chest, and sat down.
-You know that was an accident!- Before I could reply, he disappeared with Raziel.
XxXxX
(James' POV)
I looked up as the door opened; an Officer walked in with a file in his arm. I stared; when he dropped it onto the table, a coffee mug bounced.
"The organisation you will attempt to break open is one Team Rocket. They are wanted in Kanto and Johto, and it is believed they are trying to gain a foothold in Hoenn during the wake of the Teams Magma and Aqua uprising. Your job will be to attempt an infiltration of them so you can leak us information." I looked at the folder, my hands shaking slightly. Team Rocket was infamous to us in the inner circles; who hadn't heard of them..? The organisation that hired us out at thousands of Pokedollars an hour…
"Will I get my Pokémon back?" I hoped I would; they were my friends, like brothers and sisters to me. The Officer smiled.
"Sure. We'll take you to the meeting room. We've heard of two possible team mates, so we want you together for the briefing. If you'll come this way…" We stood, and I followed the guard out and down to a room where there was no windows, just a light, table and four chairs. I sat down, and the guard smiled.
"Don't worry; we'll bring them in soon." He closed the door, and I noticed that there was an electronic lock. I sighed, and sat back to start waiting.
XxXxX
(Jacks POV)
I sighed as I lugged the professor through the forest, Tia and Tio close by. Tia walked up to me, sidling close to me arm.
"So, Jack… Why are we helping this professor again?" I smiled at her.
"He's the guy I came here to study under. Also, seeing as he passed out after Angela and Esper teleported, I figured it would be a bad idea to leave him near the Beedrill hive." She nodded, happy with my answer and slowed down until she was next to her brother. I grinned as we passed the edge of the forest, entering a lush field of grass and trees.
"See, the town is just over that…hill." What looked like one hill, as we reached the top, turned out to be several hills and a valley.
"Think it would be easier to teleport, guys?" Tia coughed slightly and I sighed.
"Alright; think it would be easier to teleport, 'team'?" She nodded happily.
"Maybe; why don't we just… wait, Gallahad and Crayford can't teleport… What do you mean?" I turned to her, and grinned as she paled.
"NO! No way! Esper's not as skilled! He can barely teleport anything safely!" I sighed.
"I was thinking Angela, actually. And you KNOW that's an unfair opinion." I closed my eyes, and slowly cleared my mind of all thoughts. Eventually, I reached out and probed the minds I found, soon locating Angela.
-Jack? What do you want? - I sighed slightly.
-Me, Tia and Tio got the professor out of the forest, but it looks like a couple of clicks till we get to the town.- Angela psychically nodded.
-I see you. Wait a second. - I opened my eyes; in time to see the customary blue flash of teleportation.
You know what you'll owe me for this, Jack. I nodded to her.
"I know, I know… Can we get to the town now?" She nodded, as we gathered close in front of her. She wrapped her arms around us, making sure we were all held tight.
Three… two… one. Angela's count down ended with a flash and a brief feeling of… nothingness, I suppose. After a second, we were in the Centre. Angela released us from her arms, and I nodded.
"Thanks, Angela. I'll do what I can later for that debt." She smiled as she nodded, a twinkle in her eyes. She sat down heavily; those teleportations must've really tired her out.
XxXxX
(James' POV)
I looked up as the door beeped and opened. The Officer walked in, just as he finished speaking into his radio.
"…located in Oldale, one from Johto, suspect 'Psyche' and one from Unova, named Raziel. I'm not sure about the last one; you know how much our Unovan force over-reacts to the little things." He paused as he received a reply I missed.
"Alright, I'll tell him. Officer out." He clipped the radio to his belt, and closed the door. He turned to me, and sat down.
"Greetings from the other side, Officer." He smirked.
"Other side of the table or other side of the law? I received a report on your team mates, should they accept. One is from Alto Mare, in Johto. He's a cat-burglar, skilled in pick-pocketing and lock picking. He's codename in our system is 'Psyche' as he uses only Psychic types. The other has no actual convictions. He's a smooth talker, though; some of the things we have him down for! He's an expert on Pokémon; species, gender, name; the works. He's called Raziel." I nodded, thinking.
"What's his charge..?" The Officer sighed.
"He's from Unova… and our force there is highly strung, seeing as it's the only region where Team Rocket's not managed to infiltrate. He's been chased for a while, and well… the charges are Pokephilia. He's Lucario and Nidoqueen were seen trying to well… you-know-what… with him and they tried to arrest him. His team managed to smuggle him-against his wishes, actually into a ship, and get him to Hoenn. We've just had the e-mail with his file. We should have them in here in a few hours, maximum." I nodded as the Officer stood.
"If you need anything just say so, alright? And before you ask, your team is in good care. We can't give them to you until the team's assembled, unfortunately." He left the room, and the door locked behind him. I smirked to myself; I could easily activate the electronic lock, but that key in the door… it only unlocked when he came in. As he left, it locked. Perhaps this… Psyche could help me out…
XxXxX
(Raziel's POV)
I looked up at Nurse Joy, who smiled.
"You're perfectly fine, young man. Just try not to agitate a Beedrill nest in the near future, OK?" I nodded and stood up from the bed.
"Thank you, Nurse Joy. Erm… where's Anne?" Nurse Joy thought for a few seconds.
"She's next door. We had to remove some poison, but she's perfectly healthy. If you want you can see her no-" The wall exploded in a cloud of dust as Anne charged through it, and ran to me.
"Zoro, or ark! Zor-zor rako?" I smiled at her, and rubbed her head.
"I'm fine, Anne. Although, I'm unsure about Nurse Joy…" As I looked up, I saw that she was just staring at the hole in the wall, a shocked expression on her face.
"H-how..? These walls have steel girders in them for support, and they're plastered brick!" I looked closer at the wall, and Anne tapped my shoulder, an embarrassed look on her face.
"Zoroa… ark zora…" She handed me a piece of metal, and I realised what she'd done.
"I don't believe it. You tore out the wall, ripped the girder out and charged through the hole? Anne, I told you! In the Pokémon Centre's we're safe!" She scowled slightly.
"Zoro ark…" I sighed as I realised what she meant.
"Unova not included. Grace and Blue were a little… over the top, yes. But it wasn't their fault, and- NO!" The door smashed of its hinges as my team poured in the newly-made hole. The first two were Grace, my Lucario, and Blue, my Nidoqueen. After them came Ember, my Ninetails, and then Crystal. I was shocked to see the Suicune; I'd caught her after she was gravely injured so she could be treated, and gave her the option to remain free, only tied to a trainer by the Pokeball. She accepted, and I saw her once or twice a year. Finally, Lucy poked her head through the doorway. I smiled at her. An egg I found; pure silver; two years ago had hatched into Lucy, my Lugia. At a year old, she was the youngest on my team, but still pretty large; she could fit only her head and neck into the room. I laughed as they all crowded around me, hugging me tightly while Lucy licked me over and over.
Girls, girls! Let me go! Come on, Lucy, that tickles! Stop it!" After a few minutes, Anne finally got them to let me go-except for Blue, who squeezed tighter.
"Urk… Blue… ribs… breaking…" Something creaked in my chest, and Grace smashed Blue with a Force Palm attack, causing her to let me go. I turned around to see them glaring daggers at each other, with fire in their eyes.
"GIRLS! Enough, or else! I'll keep you in your Pokeballs for one week, maybe two!" Immediately, they stood down, hoping I wouldn't follow through on my threat.
"Good. Lucy, can I get through, please?" She pulled her head out of the door, and I walked out-only to have her wrap me in her wings. Only my head and feet were visible beneath them.
-Daddy? You're better! I missed you…- I chuckled slightly.
"Lucy, I told you; I'm never going to leave you girls; ever." She nuzzled me, licking my cheek as she let me go. Suddenly, the door was smashed open, and three Officers walked in.
"Raziel Beyon? I have a warrant for your arrest-GAH!" I blinked as a blur knocked him flying. The blur stopped and resolved into Grace, who growled at the officers. Blue lumbered up next to her, and grunted at the cops, her very appearance threatening. One of them gulped, and raised a shaking hand with a pair of cuffs.
"W-We are here to bring you in-AAHHH!" Blue stepped back; she'd swung her tail into the guy, sending him flying into the cop Grace had dealt with.
"Girls! NO! Let them do it; I knew we couldn't run forever." I stepped forwards, pushing between them and holding out my arms.
"Arrest me. I promise they won't trouble you. Not now." I spun around and recalled every one of my Pokémon, Grace and Blue threatening him as they dissolved into the red light. I sighed as I saw the other cops.
"Where are we going?" He gulped and wiped the sweat from his eyes.
"T-To the station. W-We need to follow out the Unovan arrest case. P-Please follow me… and whatever you do, don't let out those Pokémon!" I nodded as he shut the cuffs on me, and willingly walked out of the Centre. After a few minutes, we reached the station-where all hell was loose.
"Arcanine, flamethrower!" A wall of fire sped towards Jack, who just stood there. Suddenly, the fire parted to either side of him, and I saw Esper was in the way.
"Gallahad, use Drain Punch!" I saw a Gallade, exhausted and covered with bruises, smash a fist into the Arcanine, and start draining his power. I saw the bruises heal, and he stood upright as the Arcanine fainted away.
"Crayford, shut down their comms!" I looked over and saw a Metagross plunge an arm into the wall of the building, and pull out a bundle of cables. Its eyes glowed a light blue as it psychically manipulated the cables to minute ports in its arms. Suddenly, the alarm shut down, and the searchlights cut out. I realised how dark it was; I could barely see a thing now. Then a broadcast came from the cops' radio.
"All units, this is the Oldale police station. We had a system malfunction. Return to previous duties. All is fine. Suddenly, a black blur cut through to Esper, knocking him over. Angela vaulted over an Arcanine, as Crayford directed a searchlight that way to reveal a Sneasel. It glared; and Angela fired a Hyper Beam, scoring a direct hit. When the smoke cleared, the Sneasel was fainted. Angela sagged, and Gallahad ran over, protecting her while she recovered. Suddenly, a cop called out.
"We're out of Pokémon! Everyone, surrender before we take human casualties!" One of the cops; an Officer, stepped forwards and sighed.
"Well, Psyche you beat us. What do you want?" Jack smirked.
"Crayford; lights please." In a flash of whiteness, the area was bathed in white light, temporarily blinding me. When I could see again, I saw he was flanked by Angela, Gallahad and Esper. Crayford was still patched in, but I knew he could use Psychic abilities. But he still had two Pokémon missing…
"What I want is for your goons to; one, NOT manhandle me; two, NOT try to take my team without my permission; three, NOT remove my clothes IN FRONT OF ANGELA! Got it? I don't care about all those 'strip search' things, I will NOT remove my clothes in front on my Pokémon! OK? Now, I will CALMLY walk to my cell." The Officer with me dashed forwards, stopping in front of him.
"Psyche! Wait! You and your accomplice are wanted in a special cell! Raziel, come up here. I'll take you both." I walked up, nodding to Jack. He sighed.
"Hold out your arms." I did, and he produced a paperclip from a pocket.
"Crayford, time me. Less than five seconds, and I beat my record for police-issue gear…"
After three seconds, Jack popped the cuffs of my wrist.
"YES! I knew it was a good idea to practice this stuff with cop gear!" I rubbed my wrist as Crayford presumably telepathized his time to Jack.
"So… you were taking us to our special cell, right?" The Officer nodded, staring in awe at the cuffs.
"Y-Yes. There's a third person there." Someone walked up behind Jack.
"You mean me, perhaps? James Hayden, at your service, Psyche. Nicknamed 'Trojan' due to my computer skills." Jack nodded.
"Good work with that electronic lock, by the way. I had NO idea how to deal with that." James laughed.
"YOU did the best. That lock was high-grade police issue, according to the terminal I hacked; 15 TUMBLERS, and it took you about ten seconds! Now that was cool! All I had to do was touch a few wires together." Jack sighed.
"Let's say that we just complement each other, OK?" James nodded.
"So, Raziel… Why are you wanted, hmm?" I looked at Jack, and sighed.
"I'm not saying. It's a personal thing… Although I WILL say that I managed to talk my way through several customs, borders and a blimp to get here." Jack and James stared at me.
"Nothing, my foot, Raziel. You talked through what I can hack into that's a challenge so I can alter my passport! That's a REAL talent!" James grinned as Jack nodded.
"I think this 'team' you want to assemble… will be quite fun actually, even if we are going against Team Rocket!" I nodded; and realised something.
"Hey, Jack..? Where's Tia and Tio?" He facepalmed, and sighed.
"Show yourselves, you two." The air on either side of him rippled and flashed blue, and I gasped.
"THIS is Tio and Tia?" The Pokémon nodded, and shifted to their human form. Then Tia smiled slightly.
"Hi…" Tio sighed.
"I knew it was a bad idea about this… Why does crime have to be so thrilling..?" I stared even more.
"Your whole team loves crime?" Jack shifted uncomfortably.
"Not really. I used to do little night forays… Until I was tailed by these two. They helped me out of a sticky spot; sometimes I hate the people who have Houndoom as guard dogs… And then they started to join in. Once it was a hugely teched out place, and we were caught… until Crayford shut down the security. Turned out that Tia had gotten the whole team in on it, and soon we were the most wanted thieves in Johto. Until Esper goofed… we used to take things belonging to the public, not some rich person. Like, one idiot had several rooms full of food, and wouldn't share it with the town, despite them losing all their harvests to an early snowfall. We busted in without a sound, and emptied all but one room. We shared it out between the houses, leaving our trademark; a half-closed eye. Problem was, the guy found us at the end as we left… Esper was the one tasked with witnesses. He was supposed to teleport him away, wipe his mind, put him to sleep, and bring him back before we would place him in his bed. No idea we were there. Esper… the police arrived in the middle of the teleportation. Startled Esper, and he lost his concentration for a second… And he left the guy's entire left leg behind. Did what he had to do, and brought him back. We fixed the bleeding, but couldn't do a thing for the leg. We bugged out, and came over her to avoid a GBH charge. I said that if they wanted, they could leave me. It's too risky. True to their boss in a way, every one of them stayed with me. I was sure the twins would stay with their parents, in the garden. But they stuck with me. I'm proud of everyone here. We care like a family and even have a motto. 'Non relicta post'. Which means 'no being left behind'." I stared as I heard all this; then I realised something.
"You were the Horus Thieves, seriously?" Jack nodded.
"Nothing can hide from a Psychic; and as the god Horus could see all, we decided to name ourselves after him. Look." He rolled up his sleeve to show me his upper arm; where there was a tattoo.
"I got drunk one night by mistake; SOMEONE, Tio, decided to spike my drink with alcohol. And I decided to get it as a tattoo. Problem is, we all share the same water. So…" As one, his Pokémon showed the upper part of their left arm; all had the same tattoo. I nodded slightly.
"We became a guild in a sense, we do all we can for each other. Crayford, you can disconnect now." The Metagross unhooked from the building, and stomped over. I turned to James.
"Where are you from and what did you do?" He smirked slightly.
"I was born and raised in Hoenn. I developed great computer skills, and specialised in coding. I got bored writing it, so started to hack for entertainment. I got hooked after I broke the schools defences and set up a three-year suspension for every kid who bullied me over those years. I graduated about two years ago with an A* for coding. I got in with an infamous group and gained HUGE amounts of experience in hacking; soon I left them as I needed several computers to process my codes. I broke the government's computer defences, and got a load of stuff on a group or two. I was caught when I broke a bank wide open. It took twenty people; I was the first to break an account. The cops were watching the transfers, and traced our computers. I was the only one caught." I nodded.
"We've all got our stories, but I'm not sure. I don't want a part in this, I'm only guilty of a misplaced warrant so I can walk. It was nice meeting you, though, goodbye." I turned around; until the Officer pulled me back.
"I'm afraid you can't leave yet. Our instructions were to make sure you meet and talk, and get briefed. Then you can choose to leave. Until then, sorry, you have to come with us." I nodded, and sighed.
"Let's get it over with, huh?" I walked in, following Jack and James, after they recalled their team. Jack leaned over to me.
"So, what was your charge?" I sighed.
"I'm not saying and you won't GET me to say. So leave it and I warn you; three cops came for me. Two were taken out by Blue and Grace; one for each cop. And it took one hit each." Jack leaned away, a raised eyebrow on his face.
"Not bad, I hope those cops' Pokémon get better soon. I hate hurting people OR Pokémon when it's not required, but if it's called for…" I shrugged as we reached the room and the Officer turned around.
"Gentlemen, in here please." We walked in, single file, and we sat down in the seats. An Officer was standing at the head of the table, three files in front of him. He nodded at the Officer.
"You can leave now, Officer Domovoi." He snapped a salute and left us, closing the door. We turned to the Officer left with us, who held out a belt of Pokeballs. James grabbed them, relieved.
"My team! Thanks, Officer." The Officer nodded.
"We need this team fully operational, so of course they were healed. Now, we have the following people." He opened the smallest folder; barely a few centimetres.
"Raziel Beyon: Accused of Pokephilia, wanted by the Unovan police for attempting to violate one Lucario and one Nidoqueen." He looked up, and I sensed the others were staring. Shame burned my face a bright red.
"The only thing I'm guilty of is breaking through security and getting through customs." I said calmly. "I'm not guilty of any act that would involve that with my Pokémon. The only reason I fled is because they'd either get put down or neutered." I leaned forward. "And I will not let anyone hurt my girls." I looked at the faces around me. The two others who were brought here nodded.
"Well done…you placed their well-being in front of your own. That takes true courage." As Jack spoke, James nodded in agreement. Next, the Officer lifted up the second thickest folder, about ten inches thick; James smiled at Jack, who grinned back. A mutual challenge… The Officer opened the folder, and cleared his throat.
"Jack 'Psyche' Gascoyne: Accused of multiple cases of B and E, GBH and multiple charges of theft." He looked up again, and Jack leant back in his chair.
"You know, my team deserve some of the credit as well... What do you say?" James nodded. I smiled.
"I'm curious about how they'll react to only placing second." Jack grinned as James sat up.
"You know, we ARE going to be working together…we should introduce everyone. Raziel, why don't you start?" I stood, and nodded.
"Now, now." The man at the head of the table said. "We'll have plenty of time to introduce ourselves later."
"Fine, works for me." I said blatantly.
"What's up with you?" Jack asked.
"It's not what's up with me." I replied. "I'll explain later... Actually, you'll probably find out."
"What's that supposed to mean?" James asked.
"Let's just say my girls don't like other... Males." I heard someone clear their throat, gathering the attention on our small group.
"Anyway..." The man started. I noticed his red hair was slicked back, almost like an action movie star. "Onto the third file." Ho opened this one; it was about eleven inches thick.
"James 'Trojan' Hayden. Accused of multiple cases of hacking, computer fraud and altercation of government records." He closed the file, and sighed. He stepped to the side of the table, and pointed out attention to the wall.
"As you know you're here to help with one problem: Team Rocket." With a click of a button, a large screen appeared on the wall behind him. The screen turned on and revealed a large red 'R'. "As you probably know, Team Rocket has been quiet for some time, stay in the shadows and doing small jobs. Most of them have been put down. But in recent times, they've been taken over by a new leader." With another click, a shadow of a man appeared. "We have no idea who he is, but we know one thing: His mission." Another screen popped up, this of a group of Rockets attacking a large rock somewhere in the forest. "This WAS the home to one 'Registeel', a legendary Pokémon."
"How did they find the place?" Jack asked.
"They have made some kind of machine that allows them to track ANY Pokémon, as long as they have DNA." He stated. "There attack failed and the other Regis, including Registeel, have found new homes. They are after the legendary Pokémon." The screen faded and the room lit up. "And that's where you three come in. We want you to help us take down Team Rocket before the capture a single legendary."
"And what do we get?" I asked.
"Ah yes." He started. "You all will get amnesty and will be free to travel where you please, and the police won't come after you."
"Works for me." Jack stated. "I HAVE been trying to clean up my act."
"With a clean record I could go back to being a trainer again..." James said.
"I just want to know my girls won't be harmed." I said. "You can do that, I'm in."
"Same here." Jack and James both said.
"Good." The man said. "From now on, you work for the Regional Police. You will have any resource you may need for the mission and travelling and housing will be free of charge." He pulled out three badge cases. "Keep these on you at all times. Not only will they show authority in and settlement, they are also trackers. If one of you is captured we'll be able to find you."
I took the case, opening it to take a look. It was solid gold with several designs on it. "Well I'm leaving." I said getting up. "You two can do whatever. When you're ready to leave, meet me at the south exit of town."
"Wait wouldn't it be better if we stayed together?" Jack asked. "Strength in numbers?"
"Trust me when I say this. My girls won't let anything happen to me." I said with a wave, leaving the room...
XxXxX
(Jack's POV)
"Well I guess that leave us." I stated, standing from the chair. "I think they have a fairly nice hotel here. I wouldn't mind getting a first class suite."
"Same." James said. "Police accommodations aren't that great." I took one last look at the police officer who briefed us. Where have I seen him before?
XxXxX
(Police Chief's POV)
I stay still while the three boys left. I had a small grin on my face when Domovoi asked. "Umm, sir?"
"Yes officer?"
"Are you sure it's best to send some kids to do this?" He asked.
"Ha!" I laughed. "Have you ever heard, Team Rocket almost came to power again about seven years ago?"
"N-no sir." He said nervously.
"That's because their uprising, was stopped by me, and a ten year old boy." Paused to get a reaction, one I didn't get. "Yep, almost single handily too. I just helped here and there."
"Wow..." He said awe struck. "But why these three? They're all criminals."
"Not true." I said. "The tall one, he's got a clean record. I even went over the video files we had on him, he's no Pokephiliac. Even if he was, it's only illegal in Unova and Kanto."
"Then why didn't you tell him?"
"Taking advantage of an opportunity." I explained. "You saw his Pokémon. They can be a great asset. They're protective and will listen to him no matter what. Complete and total trust... Well maybe they're a bit clingy but still."
"But why them in particular?"
"They may seem different, but they have one thing in common." I started. "They're all outcast, exiles if you will. Kicked out of their homes and sent on their own. Not much for them to do. They'll work together because they have all been through it."
"So we just hope they don't kill each other." Domovoi said.
"Pretty much."
From the three of us, we hope you enjoyed the first, of hopefully many, chapter of our first story together!
Have a nice day!